Crispy, tasty, deep-fried

Paying homage to avocado country, the Fallbrook location of well-known steakhouse chain Cask ’n Cleaver will once again tempt Avocado Festival visitors with their decadently delicious Tempura Fried Avocados.

Festival-goers are sure to swoon when they sink their teeth into the crisp coating, enjoying the meltingly tender avocado in the center. A subtle hint of various spices in the secret batter adds an undertone of pure “yum.”

Paired with the popular ranch and horseradish marmalade dipping sauces, these amazing treats make for a “really unique appetizer,” said Jake Jenkins, assistant manager of the restaurant.

This signature appetizer, layered in tempura batter, is deep fried and quickly cooked to perfection.

“We cook it for three to four minutes,” said Jenkins. From start to finish, the dish takes less than ten minutes prepare. Jenkins did reveal that the secret of this dish is the quickness of their frying technique; this hurried process ensures that the fruit is not compromised and holds its perfect integrity.

This distinctive, lively appetizer was created in 1982 by Cask ’n Cleaver owner Chuck Keagle.

“Chuck was a member of the Avocado Advisory Board and made it just for fun,” Jenkins explained. Born out of joyful innovation, Keagle’s experiment metamorphosed into an addictive dish for Fallbrook residents and visitors. Because of the popularity it has enjoyed, the appetizer found its way onto the restaurant’s menu and into the Fallbrook Avocado Festival.

Due to the high demand for their Tempura Fried Avocados, Cask ’n Cleaver has placed an order for 800 avocados, all from local growers, for the festival. Generally, they get eight servings out of each avocado, so there are destined to be a total of 6,400 slices of Tempura Fried Avocado awaiting hungry festival guests.

Despite the large quantity they plan for, they usually sell out by the end of the day. Many festival veterans say they visit the Cask ’n Cleaver booth early on, not wanting to risk the chance of missing this tasty appetizer.

Past experience has Cask ’n Cleaver reserving a double booth at the festival in order to accommodate everyone. “I hear it’s pretty intense,” said Jenkins. “This will be my first time working there. It’s kind of exciting.”

Jenkins is also prepared for the long hours associated with getting ready for the event. The night before the festival, preparations are made in the restaurant kitchen until the wee hours of the morning. From there, the food is transferred to the festival site.

“They [upper management] tell me I’ll be the first to get there and the last to leave,” said Jenkins, smiling.

Those who first sample Tempura Fried Avocado at the festival usually go on to become dedicated and loyal diners at the charming, old-west-themed Cask ’n Cleaver, according to Jenkins. This comes as no surprise; after one bite, patrons get hooked on this appetizer that truly stands out from the rest.

Cask ’n Cleaver is located at 3757 South Mission Road, Fallbrook. Call (760) 728-2818.